New research examines the impact of ultra-processed food, screen time, and maternal education on weight and well-being in adolescents. Study: Ultra-Processed Food Consumption and Its Association with Risk of Obesity, Sedentary Behaviors, and Well-Being in Adolescents . Image Credit: KatMoys/Shutterstock.
com In a recent study published in Nutrients , a group of researchers compared ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption, sedentary behaviors, and well-being between adolescent boys and girls and investigated their associations with overweight risk. Background Pediatric obesity is a growing public health concern linked to dietary behaviors and sedentary lifestyles, notably the increased consumption of UPFs among adolescents. UPFs, rich in added sugars, unhealthy fats, and additives but low in essential nutrients, contribute to excessive caloric intake and unfavorable metabolic outcomes.
Sedentary behaviors aggravate this issue and are particularly prevalent in Western countries and Southern Europe. Precise assessment tools are needed to evaluate UPF consumption and its impact on obesity and well-being in youth, including potential associations with mental health. Further research is necessary to understand these relationships and develop effective interventions.
About the study A total of 245 adolescents (131 boys and 114 girls), aged 12 to 17 years (mean age 14.20 ± 1.09), were recruited from two randomly selected public high schools in the Coimbra (n = 101) and Viseu (n = 144).